Never mix treatment products
Add chemicals separately, following the label and circulation requirements. Never combine them in a container or scoop.
Pool Explained
Choose the main symptom
Pool problems: start with what you notice
Green or cloudy water, weak flow, falling levels, sediment and slow heating have different causes. Choose your main symptom and change one thing at a time.
Troubleshooting guides
Find the problem you are seeing
If several symptoms appear, deal with immediate safety risks first, then check circulation before adjusting the water.
Water colour
Green water
Check for algae, insufficient disinfectant or weak circulation, then choose the appropriate treatment.
Learn more Water clarityCloudy water
Distinguish fine particles, water chemistry and filtration problems before adding more products.
Learn more CirculationPool pump not priming
Check water level, valves, baskets and suction-side air without running the pump dry or opening electrical parts.
Learn more LeaksPool losing water
Distinguish evaporation and splashing from leaks before draining, digging or breaking up paving.
Learn more FilterSand returning to the pool
Identify filter media, dust or organic sediment before opening a sand filter.
Learn more HeatingPool not heating
Check heat loss, the cover, flow and operating conditions before assuming the heater has failed.
Learn more Water surface areaFoam in the water
Check whether foam followed cosmetics, heavy use, jet operation or a new treatment product.
Learn more CirculationLow water flow
Check from the skimmer and baskets through the pump, filter and returns before buying larger equipment.
Learn more Water qualityStrong chlorine smell
Do not judge chlorine levels by smell. Test the water and check contamination and ventilation.
Learn moreFirst checks
What to do before making adjustments
These checks reduce risks to swimmers and equipment and help you identify which action solved the problem.
- 1Stop swimming if you cannot clearly see the floor, the water is unusually coloured or there is an electrical concern.
- 2Record what changed: colour, clarity, level, flow, temperature, sediment, smell or equipment noise.
- 3Test pH and disinfectant for water-quality problems. For weak flow, isolate the pump safely before inspecting it.
- 4Open the guide for the main symptom and change one thing at a time.
Safety
When to stop checking the system yourself
Know when concentrated chemicals, electrical faults or serious leaks require professional help.
Do not swim if the floor is not clearly visible
Cloudy or coloured water makes a submerged person harder to see and may indicate inadequate disinfection.
Never run the pump dry
If it does not prime within the permitted time, switch it off and investigate before trying again.
Leave electrical faults to a qualified professional
Stop operation and call a professional for a burning smell, sparks, wet electrical parts or tripping protection.
Related topics
Water chemistry, filters and pumps
FAQ
Pool troubleshooting questions answered
Should I adjust pH or add disinfectant first?
Test first. Usually bring pH into the recommended range because it affects disinfection, then follow the treatment product’s procedure and dosing instructions.
Does cloudy water always mean algae?
No. Fine particles, water-chemistry problems, weak flow or insufficient filtration can cause cloudiness. Colour, deposits, test readings and filter behaviour help distinguish them.
When should I stop troubleshooting myself?
Immediately for electrical symptoms, serious leaks, overheating, damaged equipment or when basic safe checks do not restore normal operation.
Why change only one thing at a time?
It helps identify what solved the problem, avoid overdosing and recognise recurring faults or mistakes.